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French

Gain an advanced level of language proficiency and an understanding of the culture of France and French-speaking countries.

At A Glance

What You'll Learn:

Strong communication skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing French
Appreciation of the cultural, societal, and professional norms of French-speaking countries

What You'll Do:

Prepare for travel abroad
Work and study alongside people from around the world

Career Options Include:

International Business
Government Relations
Translator

Program Level: Undergraduate

Offered As: Minor

College/School: College of Arts & Sciences

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Experiential Learning

At Bryant, we focus on the richness and expertise of knowledge that is gained through experiential learning. Here are just a few ways in which students put their learning to work:

Study Abroad

Study a full semester in Aix-en-Provence (pictured above) through Bryant's extensive study abroad program.
Immersive study abroad can include an internship with local companies, using French language skills.
Choose a short-term, faculty-led program for a quicker experience at the start or end of a semester.

Research

Present original research at Research and Engagement Day, known as REDay
Bryant Honors Program
Participate in the annual Reading Without Borders event

Aix-en-Provence

Students may study abroad in the city of Aix (pronounced like the letter "X"), where they find traditional French culture amid the appeal and elegance of a large metropolis. The historic town is known for its beloved painter, Paul Cézanne, who painted the surrounding rolling landscape.

About This Program

The French minor is designed to provide students with an advanced language proficiency and an understanding of the culture, customs, and professional norms of France and French-speaking countries (Europe, Africa, Asia, Canada, and the Caribbean).

French is now the language of 320 million people who use it as a first or second language. According to the 2022 report of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, the number of Francophones is expected to triple in the next 30 years, making French the third international language, with up to 715 million speakers by 2050 thanks to the emerging growth of French-speaking Africa.

French is one of the official languages of the United Nations, UNESCO, NATO, and the International Court of Justice, as well as the International Red Cross. It is one of the main languages of the European Union and the language of government, law, management, and business in many regions of the international community.

The French minor improves students' cross-cultural understanding and international awareness since the knowledge of at least one foreign language has become indispensable in today’s economic and political interdependence of nations.

French is also available as a concentration (see below).

A minimum of 12 credit hours is required for the French minor, including:

One 200-level course and one 300- or 400-level course
MLFR305 Reading and Writing
One 400-level course (MLFR404 is required for IB majors)

Taught in French, MLFR305 Reading and Writing is designed to improve students' written French. It reinforces the language skills presented in earlier level courses through analysis of different styles of reading materials, including poems, literature excerpts, newspapers, magazines, and films. The emphasis is on texts and contexts of culture, whether in France or other Francophone areas.

For more information, visit the undergraduate catalog.

The French concentration is designed to promote proficiency in French and a strong understanding of Francophone cultures. A minimum of 18 credit hours is required for the concentration, including: